Southern with French Accents with Chef Virginia Willis

For ages 18 & up

Virginia has developed quite a following here in Texas and we are thrilled that she can join us to help celebrate thirty years of serving our customers throughout the Lone Star State. So grab a ticket or two and join us for the fun! During this demonstration class, you'll pick up useful tips from this approachable Southern Chef with French bona fides as she shows you how you can recreate this amazing meal at home: a meatless first course that will showcase French technique and flair; a main course that perfectly marries the two cultures; and a dessert that features down home ingredients with je ne sais quoi.

Demonstration. For ages 18 & up. You'll sit back, relax, and enjoy the meal; you will not be cooking in this class. 21 or older? You'll enjoy a glass of wine that has been perfectly paired with your meal. (Wine pairings will be posted soon.) This revised version addresses her weight gain after winning the Beard Award — and what it took to change her life and make it stick. Each dish is packed with real Southern flavor, but made with healthier, more wholesome ingredients and techniques.

ABOUT CHEF VIRGINIA WILLIS

Chef Virginia Willis is a James Beard award-winning cookbook author, Southern chef, TV and video personality, content creator, motivational speaker, and social media influencer.

Georgia-born French-trained chef Virginia Willis has foraged for berries in the Alaskan wilderness, harvested capers in the shadow of a smoldering volcano in Sicily, and executed the food styling for a Super Bowl commercial seen by over 160 million people.

Virginia lost 65 pounds and has kept it off for over 3 years. Her health journey has been documented in Eating Well, as a cover story for Woman’s World, Allrecipes, AARP, as well as the Rachel Ray Show. She has embraced her new outlook on life and has become a cheerleader for those wanting to make their life changes, As a result of her health journey, she founded Good and Good for You, a lifestyle brand that shares health and wellness strategies through digital channels, print media, and public speaking. Her column “Good and Good for You” featuring reliable, healthy, and delicious recipes runs bi-weekly in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In addition, she offers a weekly newsletter “Good and Good for You Living” featuring healthy recipes, best-life living tips, self-care techniques, and ideas and inspiration. It’s the science-backed tools, encouragement, and support to empower folks to live a better life.

Her cookbooks include the revised and updated Bon Appétit, Y’all (UGA Press October 2024); Fresh Start; Secrets of the Southern Table, , Basic to Brilliant, Y’all, Okra, and Grits. She is the former TV kitchen director for Martha Stewart, Bobby Flay, and Nathalie Dupree; has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants; and traveled the world producing food stories – from making cheese in California to escargot farming in France. She has appeared on Alex vs America, The Rachel Ray Show, Food Network’s Chopped, CBS This Morning, Fox Family and Friends, Martha Stewart Living, and as a judge on Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Virginia has also been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, People Magazine, Eater, and Food52. She has contributed to Eating Well, Garden & Gun, Bon Appétit, and more. The Chicago Tribune praised her as one of “Seven Food Writers You Need to Know.” Fans love her down-to-earth attitude and approachable spirit.

Learn more about Virginia and Good and Good for You, her real-life approach to health and wellness for mind, body, and spirit at www.virginiawillis.com

• Faux Gras (Vegetarian Lentil-Pecan Pâté served with Cheese, Cornichons & Crackers

• Mustard-crusted Pork Loin with Herbed Pan Sauce

• Green Beans with Tomato & Feta

• Baker's Potatoes (Sliced, Layered Potatoes cooked in Stock)

• Mocha Pecan Torte with Bourbon Creme Anglaise

Safety & Precautions

• At check-in, you will be asked to sign a waiver before entering the Cooking School.

• For that reason, we ask that all attendees arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the confirmed start time of the class.

For more information about our classes, please click on the links below:

Find FAQs about our in-store classes here.

Find FAQs about your private classes here.

Host or Publisher Central Market Austin North Lamar